Nina did not want to listen to their argument, but she could tell there was some chemistry between them. Over the past few years, she had heard the good news that James and Scarlett were together. They were planning to get married at the end of this year, and Scott’s family was also making arrangements. The only one left without a partner seemed to be Felix.While things with Felix were uncertain, one thing was clear. Neither Wilfred nor Micah had found someone yet. Although Nina had her differences with Freya, she thought that if Freya and Micah could develop something, it would be a good match.As Nina walked away, Micah called after her, but noticed she was moving quickly. Freya, however, blocked his path, her head lowered like a child who had done something wrong. "Mr. Micah, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to upset her. I just…""You didn’t see that you already drove her away with your nonsense? If you keep spouting this rubbish, do you believe I won’t have your tongue cu
Nina held Orion close, staying by his side.But later, while in the lab, she came across a treatment list that Pharaoh had compiled. One particular herb caught her attention—Seven-Leaf Clover.This herb thrived in shady areas and would only grow deep in the mountains. Due to its unique medicinal properties, venomous snakes often guarded it. It was said that only experienced herbalists would dare to harvest it and ordinary people would not risk it.Pharaoh had marked the herb's name, possibly indicating the difficulty of obtaining it. Nina bit her lip. If others were afraid to go, she would go herself. If it meant saving her son, she was willing to risk her life.With that resolve, Nina set out immediately.Nash, seeing her heading toward the mountains from afar, quickly caught up. "Where are you going?""I’m going to find Seven-Leaf Clover," Nina replied directly, adding, "I can go alone. You stay here with Orion.""No, I’m going with you," Nash insisted firmly. Nina, not wantin
The relentless pursuit was a battle between them, the tiger, and the venomous snake. Nina knew they could not keep this up. Once darkness fully set in, their chances of escape would be even slimmer.As they passed by a tree trunk, Nina used it as leverage, planting her foot firmly and springing up to snap off a branch. In one swift motion, she spun around and drove the branch into the snake's weak spot, right at the seven-inch mark.The snake dropped to the ground, lifeless. The tiger roared furiously, seemingly enraged by the death of its companion."Climb up the cliff!" Nash shouted, throwing the torch at the tiger.The tiger did not dodge. The torch hit its head and fell to the ground, extinguished. A small flame flared up on the tiger’s head, causing it to freeze in panic.Nina seized the opportunity, picked up the fallen torch, and with all her strength, drove it into the tiger's body.A single, lethal strike.Nash was stunned. In the five years they had been apart, his
The two of them leaned back against each other, their hearts still racing. It took a while before they both exhaled a long breath of relief. Even the bravest would feel a shiver of fear recalling what could have happened if they had not spotted the snake in time. Nash turned and hugged Nina tightly, kissing her on the forehead. "It’s okay now. I’ll thoroughly check the cave in a bit to make sure nothing like this happens again.""It’s not your fault. No one could have expected a snake to be in the cave," Nina reassured him. In such a damp place, it was inevitable that there would be snakes. This might have even been the snake’s den. They were the intruders, and now they had killed it. In a way, they were the ones being unreasonable.Nash reignited the torch and carefully inspected the cave, then found some stones to block the entrance. Once everything was secured, he began roasting the snake meat. They did not know how much further they had to travel, so it was best to fill the
The two of them teased each other, each laughing at the other's clumsiness. After walking quite a distance, Nina glanced back at the cliff, feeling like she had missed something.Nash noticed her hesitation and joked, "You’re not thinking about staying another night, are you? Not worried about running into that snake’s husband?"Nina thought for a moment, "Seven-Leaf Clover thrives in damp places and venomous snakes often guard it. Could the Seven-Leaf Clover be inside the cave?" She was only speculating, though. The cave was always dark, and the books mentioned that the Seven-Leaf Clover needed some sunlight to be considered top-quality. It thrived in the shade but also needed sunlight.It was almost like people, needing the company of others, yet craving solitude.A contradictory existence.Nash considered her suggestion and realized she might be right. He offered, "I’ll go back up and check. You can wait here.""No, let’s go together. If that snake’s husband shows up, we c
Nash held Nina close, and she could hear the steady, strong beat of his heart against his chest.Ever since they arrived, Nash had stayed by her side. At first, when she spotted the Seven-Leaf Clover, she thought about going alone. After all, she felt like she had not done enough for Orion. But then, Nash had shown up.As the thick fog began to clear, they started their journey back.The Yaren Tribe was in turmoil, and Pharaoh, along with the others, was deeply worried about Nash and Nina's safety, especially Nina’s. They did not want her to suffer even the slightest harm."You! That was my list of herbs, and I know the best and quickest ways to find them. You’re unfamiliar with the area. What were you thinking, running up the mountain?" Pharaoh scolded, his concern clear. The herbs he listed were to save Orion, and in his haste, he had put the list aside when Nina arrived, wanting to give them an update.If something had happened to Nina, he would never have forgiven himself.
Wilfred noticed the dust on Nina’s clothes and the redness in her eyes. She was willing to do anything for Orion, acting swiftly and decisively. He had wanted to accompany her, but Nash had already taken that role, leaving him to stay behind and assist Pharaoh in saving Orion. When the Yaren Tribe was attacked, he and Pharaoh were both busy tending to the injured. Now, Pharaoh was in the lab, and Wilfred was by Micah’s side.Hearing Wilfred’s update, Nina finally let out a sigh of relief. Micah was going to be okay. She also noticed Freya, who was steadfastly watching over Micah. Freya had once seen Nina as a rival, but now she was staying by Micah’s side, clearly devoted to him. Nina realized there was no need for her to linger and play the third wheel.Nina and Nash quietly left, and Wilfred, finding it inconvenient to stay as well, told Freya, "If you need anything, just call me. I’ll be right outside.""Alright," Freya nodded, and Wilfred stepped out.Freya remained by Mi
But it was impossible. Wilfred quickly snapped out of his thoughts and returned to reality. He knew he could never be Nash. He was Wilfred. Even if he could not stand by Nina’s side as a lover, he could be a friend, a brother. He had dedicated his life to her, and that would have to be enough.......When Nash returned to the bedroom with the medicine, Nina had already finished her bath. Her damp hair fell loosely around her shoulders, filling the room with a faint scent of roses.Nash quickly wrapped a towel around her hair. "Lower your clothes a bit so I can apply the medicine.""Okay," Nina complied, and Nash carefully began applying the ointment, his touch gentle.He even blew softly on her skin to ease any sting from the medicine. He was so worried that the medication might irritate her wounds, that she might feel pain. But in truth, this kind of pain was nothing to Nina. She recalled her early days as a war journalist, how clumsy she had been amid the chaos of war.On
Yelena quickly lowered her arm, letting her sleeve fall over the mark to cover it. “It’s nothing. Here’s your cocktail. Please enjoy.” “Yelena.” Hunter grabbed her wrist without warning. He pulled up her sleeve, revealing the deep, ugly scars on her arm. His brows knitted together instantly. “Who did this to you?” The force behind it was brutal—downright inhuman. Yelena remained silent. Who else could have done this besides Liam? But she had agreed to this. She had willingly accepted Hunter’s request and entered Liam’s world. She had no right to complain. Her silence gave Hunter all the confirmation he needed. “Liam did this to you, didn’t he?” Yelena nodded. “It’s nothing. The wounds have already started healing. They look worse than they feel. Give it some time, and they’ll fade.” “Wait here.” Hunter stood abruptly and walked away. Yelena had no idea what he was doing, but since he told her to wait, she didn’t argue. A few minu
Then again, it made sense. How could a normal person possibly empathize with a lunatic? If Yelena could understand Liam, that would make her just as twisted. *For the next few days, Yelena stayed home to recover. During that time, Liam came back a few times, bringing her flowers and food. Like a child showing off a treasure, he placed the food in front of her. “Yelena, these are your favorite honey crullers. I got them fresh from the bakery. Try them and see if you like them.” “I’m not really hungry.” She didn’t want to eat anything he gave her. She couldn’t even stand looking at him. But she had made a promise. So, she had to force herself to stay. Liam’s expression darkened. “Are you really not hungry, or do you just not want to eat what I give you?” For someone like him, once he had lost his temper once, the second time would only come faster and smoother. With a heavy thud, he slammed the honey crullers onto the table. “Yes, I hit y
If Liam had been a normal person, Hunter never would have sent her here in the first place. But of course, Yelena could only think that. She wasn’t suicidal enough to say it out loud. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I was really just messaging an old classmate. If you don’t believe me, go ahead—check my phone.” She wasn’t worried. Whenever she contacted Hunter, she deleted each message immediately. She had even forged an entire fake conversation just in case Liam ever got suspicious. So, no matter how thoroughly he checked, there would be nothing for him to find. Liam narrowed his eyes. “Is that so? Then why do I still feel like you’re lying? Women like you—nothing but liars, every last one of you.” Then, he struck her again. Yelena screamed. The pain was relentless, merciless. She had no idea how long it lasted—only that by the time he finally stopped, she was barely breathing. Her body slumped against the floor
Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind Yelena. She spun around, her heart hammering in her chest. Liam was walking toward her, a faint smile on his lips—but the coldness in his eyes told a different story. Memories of his past cruelty flashed through her mind, sending a shudder down her spine. She forced herself to stay calm. “Who are you messaging?” He was getting closer. So close that when he finally stopped, they were nearly pressed against each other. Then, without warning, his fingers clamped around her chin, gripping tighter and tighter. Pain shot through her jaw, and Yelena winced. “No one. Just an old classmate. I ran into her a few days ago while I was out.” “Oh? Is that so?” Liam’s voice softened, almost gentle. To anyone watching, he might have seemed like a kind, easygoing man. But Yelena knew better. He would never let her off that easily. And sure enough— In the next second, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her hea
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.“Haven’t I been just fine lately?“Or do you think my hand isn’t injured enough? If that’s the case, go ahead—do it yourself. “You already know I wouldn’t fight back no matter what.” Without warning, Yelena stretched out her injured hand, an act that instantly enraged Liam. “What the hell is wrong with you?” He snapped. “I was just making a casual remark. Is that really what you think of me? I already told you—I’m not going to lay a hand on you.“It wasn’t intentional before, and you know it. We both do. Stop acting like you’re above all this when we both know who sent you here.” Yelena felt a pang of sadness. They had spent so much time together, yet this was how he treated her—always choosing to hurt her. “I know—I wasn’t someone you chose, and none of this was intentional. But after all this time we've spent together...“I thought maybe I was a little different to you. But I guess I was wrong. Nothing has changed at all.
“Why do you even care about what happens to other people? Haven’t I made myself clear enough already?“Whose card is this—yours or mine?” His assistant immediately apologized upon hearing Caleb’s tone. “I hope you won’t hold this against me. I really wasn’t thinking clearly at the time—I should have considered this more carefully.” Caleb didn’t bother responding. After hanging up, he focused entirely on investigating Vera’s brother. *Meanwhile, Vera was deeply worried. If things had been somewhat under control before, now they were completely off track. The situation on both sides was far more complicated than she had anticipated. “Don’t worry. That’s exactly how it is. If you don’t want to go in person, I can go for you—but it won’t be cheap,” the private investigator said.Since Caleb had warned her about the private investigator, Vera started testing him, probing for inconsistencies. And sure enough, his story had too many holes. “Why are you so sure my b
As Caleb spoke, he looked at Vera with a hint of helplessness. After all, her hand had been injured because of Luna. “Don’t feel guilty about this. Honestly, it’s nothing to me.“And I’m not the type to carry burdens over things like this.“Besides, it’s been so long. If this had happened back then, I might have cared. But now? I just don’t think it matters anymore.” Vera’s voice was steady and sincere. But Caleb’s expression darkened. “Why would you say that? Why do you think it doesn’t matter? Do you really see me as just the same as everyone else?” For some reason, at this moment, Caleb took it personally. Vera couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course not. You’re different from the rest—so obviously, I wouldn’t see it the same way.“You’ve helped me so much. The least I can do is acknowledge that, instead of stubbornly nitpicking about what’s right or wrong, don’t you think?“Besides, whatever happened between you and Luna, that’s none of my business. It’s in
“I didn’t mean to just now. Besides, you’ve been acting all sneaky lately—so really, who else is to blame?” Seeing Yelena in tears, Liam, who had been furious just moments ago, felt a small pang of guilt. He was never good at expressing emotions. But watching her like this made him a little uncomfortable. “Go get your hand treated. Otherwise, people who don’t know any better might think I’ve been abusing you.” With that, he turned and walked away. Yelena watched his retreating figure, feeling a bit helpless. This wasn’t something she could decide on her own. Installing surveillance? It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Liam was naturally suspicious. If he caught wind of it, the consequences would be disastrous. But she had no choice. She had a mission to complete, and there was more at stake than just this moment. Letting out a deep sigh, she finally decided to head to a clinic to get her hand treated. *“What happened to you? That’s a serious injury. You
And just like that, the conversation fell into a brief silence. Meanwhile, on the other side, Hunter received a call from Yelena. “What did you just say?” Yelena told him that her hand was broken, and on top of that, Liam seemed to be getting suspicious. She wasn’t sure what to do, so she called Hunter for advice. “I don’t really care what happens to you, but at the very least, take care of yourself.“Otherwise, if something else goes wrong later, I’ll have to step in and clean up the mess. Don’t you think so?” Hearing this, Yelena was a little taken aback. “It’s not just about my injury. The real problem is, I’m scared of what he might do now.” Sure, she had taken the two hundred thousand dollars, but she had to stay alive to spend it. At this rate, she wouldn’t even make it through in one piece. “I already told you—protect yourself. If you need anything else, I’ll try to provide it. But right now, I need you to do something for me.” Hunter had been look